Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old Wisconsin kayaker, was sentenced to 89 days in jail for faking his own death to escape his family and reunite with a woman he met online. The sentence matches the number of days law enforcement searched for him after he staged his drowning in August 2024.
Borgwardt, who has been in a long-term marriage with his wife for 22 years, left his family in Wisconsin to meet the woman in Georgia, a country in Eastern Europe. According to authorities, he planned the fake death meticulously, including taking out a life insurance policy, applying for a replacement passport, and reversing his vasectomy.
The alleged incident began when Borgwardt, after attending church with his family on August 11, 2024, drove to Green Lake, about 50 miles from his home and 100 miles northwest of Milwaukee. There, he allegedly paddled to the middle of the lake in his kayak, overturned it, and then used an inflatable raft to return to shore. He dropped his cellphone and ID into the lake, then attempted to wash away his muddy footprints before riding off on a hidden bike.
After a journey of 70 miles, he caught a bus from Madison, Wisconsin, to Toronto, Canada. From there, he flew to Paris and then to an unnamed Asian country before finally arriving in Georgia. His wife, who had been with him for 22 years, divorced him four months later, as reported by the Associated Press.
Prosecutors argued that Borgwardt’s actions were a deliberate attempt to deceive his family and law enforcement, causing significant emotional distress. Green Lake County District Attorney Gerise LaSpisa highlighted the impact of Borgwardt’s actions, stating that his plan to fake his death was a calculated effort to serve his own selfish desires.
The case has sparked discussions on the lengths to which individuals may go for personal gain, and the role of law enforcement in catching such cases. Borgwardt’s sentence was determined by the number of days he eluded authorities—89 days—reflecting the extent of his obstruction. The case has also raised ethical questions about the motivations behind such a deception, especially in the context of family relationships and personal desires.
Borgwardt initially pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges, but under a plea deal, he changed his plea to no contest and agreed to pay $30,000 in restitution to cover law enforcement costs. He expressed regret for his actions in court, acknowledging the pain he caused his family and friends.
While the case has captured public attention, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit and the importance of family loyalty. The incident has prompted discussions on the balance between personal freedom and familial responsibilities, as well as the legal and emotional ramifications of such actions.